Hello Chiang Mai!

IT HAS A BEAK AND WINGS

It has a beak and wings. That means it can fly right? We're flying Nok Air and it's planes have a spiffy paint job. Next stop - Chiang Mai, city of temples and elephants. Our hotel is situated just outside the north gate of the old city's ancient walls. The city is home to over 300 wats (temples) so just walking around the old city we're bound to see a few of them.

FRIED BANANA PANCAKES

Ok, it's a little crazier than we thought it would be in Chiang Mai. The old city is protected by motorcycles and taxis that circle the perimeter day and night. You take you life in your hands when you cross the traffic to get into the city. It was dark and everyone was taking red truck taxis so we jumped in the back (basically riding in a truck bed) and met some new friends. We got advice on how much to pay, where to go, what to do during our first 5 minute ride. We got off at the food market. We were overwhelmed by the crowds and car exhaust so we found a back alley where a street vendor was selling fried banana pancakes. Yum. That got us back on track. Another wild truck ride through night traffic and we were back at the hotel - our first night in Chiang Mai. Tomorrow we'll look for temples.